The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island has as strong a commitment as ever to young people with disabilities or health issues.
In April, foundation officials announced the largest annual investment in its 90-year history — $3.2 million to fund 55 projects and programs in Island communities. Of that total, about $570,000 is earmarked for mental-health resources serving youth.
A 2014 report from the Simon Fraser University-based Children’s Health Policy Centre said that while about one in eight children and youth in B.C. has a mental-health disorder at any given time, only a third gets specialized treatment.
Another $286,000 will support “navigator” positions in the mental-health field to help families build care plans for their children. Navigators will help them deal with a mix of needs that can include community services, Island Health resources, doctors, housing and employment assistance.
Navigators can also take on the vital task of guiding 18- to 19-year-olds who have aged out of foster care.
CEO Veronica Carroll said the foundation serves as the fundraising arm for the Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health and also backs many other groups around the Island.
“Our metamorphosis, in terms of how our mandate has really increased, is a direct result of where services and programs and support are being provided to kids and their families,” she said. “Of course, we still have specialized care here at Queen Alexandra, but so much is happening out in community.”
Much of that community activity is done through co-operation with Island Health and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Carroll said.
She said children’s health-care needs have changed through the years.
“We have a specific emphasis on mental-health services now,” Carroll said. “Some people say that that really is an emerging health crisis for kids and youth, so that’s an area where we’re very active.
“But we do the full range of whatever medical support kids need. That’s where we’re at.”
The foundation has just launched a $3-million fundraising effort to establish a central site for organizations that offer youth mental-health programs. It will be at 818 Douglas St. and feature the Victoria Youth Clinic, NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education and Support and Island Health’s Early Psychosis Intervention Team, among other groups.
The only aspect of youth health the foundation doesn’t get involved with is acute-care in hospitals, which has its own supporting organizations.
